The Daily Groove
The Freedom Paradox
by Scott Noelle, posted on 2006-08-01
The Law of Attraction is such that whatever you give your attention to — positively or negatively — expands in your experience.
When you resist something you don't want, you're giving your attention to it, thus creating more of it.
For example, telling your child "This is a really important phone call, so DON'T interrupt me..." guarantees that you'll experience an interruption — if not by the child then by your own worrisome thoughts.
The key to creating more of what you DO want is to decide that you're free NOT to have it!
When you feel free either way, there's no resistance, which means you can focus on your desired experience.
Today, whenever you notice even a little tension about something, remind yourself of your inherent freedom. ("I'm free to be interrupted, or not.") Then gently shift your focus to your desire. ("I'm going to enjoy this call!")
Looking for clarity
"Free to be interrupted, or not"? I love the concept of letting go of the negative expectations, etc. but since this phone thing is a big issue in our house, I can't relate to this statement! If you mean my daughter is free to interrupt me, or not, that I can agree with, but I don't seem to have much choice in the matter, or freedom about it.
I know I'm not 'getting' this one, looking for clarity!
maria, md, daughter: 4y 2 months
Don't you just LOVE paradoxes? :)
In order to get the freedom paradox, you have to be willing to suspend your everyday logic and reasoning. Remember that inner freedom is not the same as desire. "I'm free to be interrupted" doesn't mean "I want to be interrupted."
Inner freedom is at the heart of unconditionality, which says "I'm determined to stay connected to Well-Being, regardless of external conditions and behavior."
These Daily Grooves might help:
The best way to get this is to TRY IT! Decide for no reason at all (other than to test this concept) that you ARE free to be interrupted AND you prefer not to be. You may still be interrupted a lot at first, but you'll also notice that your stress level decreases and you feel more connected to your child. Over time, that will lead to a higher quality of relationship in general — one in which you both derive pleasure from pleasing each other.